Chapter 11- The Persevering Presbyterians of Union City, Pennsylvania

​Chapter Eleven

Presbyterian Participation – 1915

March 17, 1915. Session Records. The Session met at the manse at 8:00 p.m. and was called to order and opened with prayer by the moderator, Reverend E.M. Smead. Elders present were J.S. Thompson; J.D. Mulkie, J.W. Middleton, F.J. Shreve, C.B. Geer, G.D. Marsh and S.C. Humes. It was moved and seconded that we increase our elders by electing one more. Motion was laid on table until next meeting.

Elders Humes and Geer were elected the nominating committee for Sunday School officers. It was moved and carried that we grant the ladies of the Baptist Church the use of our church for an organ recital.Monday, April 5, 1915. All records for attendance were broken yesterday when it was announced that 166 men were in attendance at the Men’s Sunday Morning Bible Class in Gray Chapel of the Presbyterian Church. Coleman’s Band of 18 pieces was present and rendered several selections which were thoroughly appreciated and received hearty encores at the close of each number. During his remarks, Dr. Smead paid a high compliment to Coleman’s Band for the excellent music rendered. The Men’s Sunday Morning Bible Class is adding to its membership at every meeting and still maintains the lead as the largest Men’s Bible Class in Erie County.

July 14, 1915. Session met at 10:45 a.m. The meeting was called to order and opened with prayer by the moderator Reverend Edgar M. Smead. Elders present were J. Thompson, J.R. Mulkie, J.W. Middleton, F.J. Shreve, C.B. Geer, and S.C. Humes and G.D. Marsh. Mrs. Ethel Prather presented her letters from the M.E. Church of Union City, Pa. The letter was received and her name ordered placed on the church roll.

Monday, September 27, 1915. The Christian Endeavor Society of the Presbyterian Church has elected the following officers for the ensuing term:

Monday, November 8, 1915. The Presbyterian Cook Book, just from the press of the Times Enterprise, is now on sale at Vidal’s Variety Store and at C.B. Geer’s Jewelry Store. The books, which contain 130 pages of recipes and advertisements of the leading merchants of Union City, can be secured for the nominal sum of 50 cents each.

Presbyterian Participation – 1916

February 13, 1916. Session Records. Session met after the morning service and was called to order by the Moderator, Reverend Edgar M. Smead. Elders present were J.S. Thompson, J.R. Mulkie, J.W. Middleton, F.J. Shreve, S.C. Humes, and G.D. Marsh. The clerk read the resignation of Mrs. Cooper, organist for the church. A motion was made and carried that it be accepted and that Miss Florence Humes act as organist the balance of the year.

Monday, March 27, 1916. The Presbyterian Sunday School is in a flourishing condition with the largest attendance in the history of the organization.

Presbyterian Profile

March 30, 1916. Session met in Gray Chapel at 8:40 o’clock and moderator Reverend Edgar M. Smead called the meeting to order and opened with prayer. At a recent meeting of the session, J.W. Middleton and G.D. Marsh were appointed a committee to write a memorial upon the death of our brother Castle B. Geer. The committee presented the following which was unanimously adopted by the Session.“Another member of the Session has crossed the border and entered into eternal rest. It was at an early hour Sunday morning, January 2, 1916, that the soul of our neighbor, friend and brother, Castle B. Geer, passed from this world to the world beyond. Mr. Geer had been a member of this church for 38 years and a member of the session for the past 9 years. Mr. Geer was a devout Christian. He was very regular in his attendance on all services of the church. He was just the kind of man a community cannot afford to lose – a man with sterling qualities and character above reproach. He was faithful in every trust and will be greatly missed in the church and community.”

Presbyterian Participation – 1916

May 18, 1916. The Men’s Sunday Morning Bible Class will celebrate its fifth anniversary next Sunday, beginning at 9:45 in Gray Chapel. Coleman’s Band will play sacred selections and Chorister Reynolds will provide other music. Dr. E.M. Smead will teach the lesson and tell of the great work accomplished by this class in the last five years. The class will be dismissed promptly at 10:50 and all will be invited to the main church where Dr. B.D. Sutcliffe of the Moody Bible Institute of Chicago will deliver the main address. The choir will render special music for the occasion.

For the evening service at 8 o’clock, Coleman’s Band will form on main Street and march to the Presbyterian Church. Every man who desires can join in the procession and march to the meeting place.The evening will be opened by a song service assisted by the large chorus, and the band will play sacred selections. Dr. B.D. Sutcliffe will deliver the sermon of the evening.

June 22, 1916. Fifteen Boy Scouts of the Presbyterian Sunday School attended the Children’s Day services at Amity School last Sunday. They trip was made on a wagon kindly loaned by Mr. Blanchard. These boys are members of the Sunday School class known as King’s Servants and were accompanied by their teacher L.B. Warner. It was a great trip and fine exercises. Thanks to Mr. Blanchard.

Thursday, August 3, 1916. Dr. E.M. Smead and family who are rusticating at Chautauqua will be home the latter part of the week. He will resume his pastoral duties next Sunday morning at 11:00 o’clock and in the evening at 8:00 o’clock.

Presbyterian Participation – 1917

January 18, 1917. A special congregational meeting was called to order by the clerk of the session. J.W. Middleton at 8:45 p.m. Mr. J.R. Mulkie was chosen moderator of the meeting. Reverend Edgar M. Smead in a few well-chosen words tendered his resignation as pastor of the church. It was accepted and the moderator appointed two commissioners to attend the Presbytery at Erie on January 24th. G.D. Marsh and D.H. McClintock were appointed commissioners.

Presbyterian Profile

Monday, January 29, 1917Yesterday was farewell Sunday at the Presbyterian Church as it was the last service conducted by Reverend Edgar Mason Smead after nine years of efficient and faithful service.

The men in the Bible class, 157 strong, were present and 120 women, boys and girls also attended. Bartholme’s Orchestra rendered several selections at the beginning of the service. Chorister F.B. Reynolds announced a hymn and all joined heartily in the singing. President Boyd called on the past presidents of the class for a few remarks. These include J.C. McLean, R.B. Mulkie, Frank Smiley, George Palmer and J.B. Warner. Judson Quick of the booster committee, Charles Bartholme, leader of the orchestra since the organization of the class, A.G. Buller of Corry, a former member of the class and William Olberg of Erie all paid tribute to the great work Reverend Smead accomplished during the time he has been teacher.

Dr. Smead gave a short talk, urging the men to be as faithful to his successor as they had to him and he said that his connection with the class had been the pleasantest of his ministry in the city.At 11:00 o’clock the orchestra played a section and the regular morning church services began. While the orchestra played, the ushers seated the congregation. The choir entered the choir loft and the regular morning services began. Dr. Smead read the scripture lesson from Luke and after that Mrs. R.M. Black sang a soprano solo. After the offering and announcements, Dr. Smead preached on “Looking Forward.” He asked the people to be more efficient in the future than they had ever been in the past.The choir and congregation sang a hymn and Dr. Smead pronounced the benediction.

The Evening ServiceLong before 7:30, people from all over the city began to gather at the church. Bartholme’s Band orchestra played several selections while they were being seated. At 7:30 the choir entered the loft and Dr. Smead was assisted by Reverend Huff of the Baptist Church. A.G. Sweet, for 30 years leader of the choir, acted in that capacity on this occasion, and the choir and congregation sang the same hymn sung during the first service of Dr. Smead’s pastorate. Miss Floraette Humes played the pipe organ and it intermingled with the string and brass instruments of the orchestra in perfect harmony.

Dr. Smead stated that he would bring his audience the same message that he had endeavored to do during his nine years pastorate in Union City and under the grace of God would continue to do in his new pastorate at Olean. He brought home many truths from the text and asked the earnest prayers of the people of Union City in his next ministry.

Prayer, an anthem by the choir, and a benediction by Reverend Huff concluded the service. Many walked past the pulpit through the Sunday School to shake hands with Dr. Smead and Reverend Huff. The orchestra played while the people filed past and wished Dr. Smead and his family God speed in their new field of labor.

Thursday, February 8, 1917. There was a large attendance at a reception held for Dr. and Mrs. E.M. Smead at the Presbyterian Church Tuesday evening in honor of their 10th wedding anniversary and also as a farewell reception for him and his family. They will soon leave for Olean, New York.Coleman’s Band was present and played several favorite selections which Dr. Smead and the large crowd appreciated. Mr. F.B. Reynolds, chairman of the evening, called Dr. Smead to the platform and presented him with a purse of gold containing $100.

Presbyterian Participation – 1917

March 22, 1917. Reverend E.E. Lashley of Galion, Ohio, was elected to be pastor of the Presbyterian Church. His salary will be $1,500 with the use of the manse and four weeks’ vacation in the month of August.

March 26, 1917. A largely attended congregational meeting was held at the Presbyterian Church last Thursday evening for the purpose of deciding on a pastor to fill the pulpit and take up the work of the church to succeed Reverend E.M. Smead, who is now located in Olean, New York. Reverend Robert Clements of the First Presbyterian Church in Erie acted as moderator of the meeting. Reverend E.E. Lashley of Galion, Ohio, who occupied the pulpit of the Union City Church on March 18, was extended a call by a vote of the congregation.

Reverend Lashely comes to the Union City church highly recommended by residents of Galion and other cities where he has served as pastor and will enter upon his duties here with the hearty support of all branches of the church. With his family he will be welcomed to this city by all. Reverend Lashley is married and has one son who will enter college this fall.

April 2, 1917. Reverend Lawrence of Sinclairville, spoke at the meeting of the Men’s Sunday Morning Bible Class in Gray Chapel yesterday and held the close attention of the 53 men attending. The orchestra played and there was a hearty song service. Next Sunday morning, Reverend E.E. Lashley, the new pastor elect, will teach the class. Special music has been arranged for and every member and friends of the class is invited to come and give the new teacher a rousing welcome.

Monday, April 2, 1917. The members of Miss Elizabeth Springer’s Sunday School Class of the Presbyterian Church have elected the following officers:President Dallas SmileyVice President Ernest CarlburgTreasurer Glenn MiddletonSecretary Beth Smiley

Monday, May 14, 1917. There were 67 men in attendance at the meeting of the Men’s Sunday Moring Bible Class in Gray chapel yesterday. They listened to a cornet solo by Charles Bartholme and a vocal solo by Mrs. R.M. Vuck, both accompanied on the piano by Miss Floraetta Humes. The committee reports were received and Superintendent Wood of the Corry Presbyterian Sunday School gave a short talk, after which Reverend E.E. Lashley taught the lesson in an able manner. The Committee appointed by the president made its report and the auditorium of gray Chapel will be newly papered and thoroughly renovated by the class.

The social committee announced a reception for Reverend E.E. Lashley and family for Wednesday evening of this week and the Men’s Classes with their families from the Methodist and Baptist Churches have been invited to join in the festivities of the occasion. Also all members and friends of the Presbyterian Church are invited.The program, beginning at 7:45 p.m. is:Prayer and opening address by the presidentResponse Reverend E.E. LashleySelection Coleman’s BandVocal Duet A.G. Sweet and F.B. ReynoldsReading Dr. G.D. MarshTrombone Quartet J.J. Bartholme, Leon Herpick, E.P. Erskine and A.B. BoydVocal Solo Miss Corabelle DriscollSelection Coleman’s BandReading Miss Nellie McClintockMale QuartetReading I.B. WarnerAmerica Sung by the congregation, accompanied by Coleman’s Band

After the program refreshments will be served and a social time enjoyed by all.

May 16, 1917. The Wolf and Eagle Patrol of the Boy Scouts went to the Sunday School Room and served ice cream and cake to 265 guests present. Reverend and Mrs. Lashley went to the front of the church and were introduced to the entire assemblage.

May 28, 1917. The patriotic services held at the Presbyterian Church last evening drew a large crowd and before 8 o’clock all the available seats in the auditorium and gallery were taken. The members of the Grand Army, the Woman’s Relief Corps, the Boy Scouts and the young men of this city and vicinity who have already enlisted in the service were guests of honor at the service. Coleman’s Band played two appropriate selections at the beginning of the service, also the offertory selection and the postlude. The choir and congregation sang patriotic hymns and the choir rendered two anthems befitting the occasion.

Reverend Lashley delivered a patriotic address which held the close attention of all present.

November 22, 1917. The Women’s Home and Foreign Missionary Society met in Gray Chapel Tuesday afternoon. A delightful program was put on and an interesting talk was given by Miss Eastman, a returning missionary from India. It was appreciated by all. Light refreshments and a social time were enjoyed.

Presbyterian Participation – 1918

January 17, 1918. Presbyterians are having devotional services at 7:45 this Thursday evening. We know you will enjoy this hour of praise and Bible study. Every man is invited to share our fellowship at the men’s class next Sunday at 9:50. An excellent program of music and song as well as an interesting lesson are in preparation. Let us see every member prompt. The preaching services are at 11 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. The pastor will discuss practical objects bearing on the life of today and there is a welcome to the stranger and all without a church home. The church Bible school meets at 12 and the C.E. Society at 6:30. E.E. Lashley, pastor.

February 18, 1918. Christian Endeavor met Sunday evening in Gray Chapel at 6:30. Eleanor Himbaugh led the meeting in a very able manner and there was not one dull moment for the 63 young people in attendance. The orchestra of eight pieces rendered several selections and we had a real live meeting. In fact, we have a real live meeting every Sunday evening. Just come out once and see for yourself. We know you will come again.

March 4, 1918. Reverend L.L. Pickett, heralded as the “Kentucky Gatling Gun,” interested a good sized gathering at the Presbyterian Church Sunday morning and evening when he gave two strong addresses against the liquor traffic. Reverend Pickett left little to be said against the evil when he had finished and his addresses were considered a powerful argument. The southern orator dwelt particularly on the relation of liquor to crime in the country and charged booze with being responsible for nine tenths of the crime and a financial waste of two billions annually. He declared that the outlook for ratification of the National Prohibition Amendment was promising and that enough states would have approved the measure by May 1919 to insure its enforcement in May of 1920 if not sooner. He declared that his own state, Kentucky, would approve the amendment by at least 60,000 in the special election already ordered.

Reverend Pickett who is speaking under the auspices of the National Dry Federation is speaking seen times a week during its present tour and is covering many states in the East and North. The afternoon address given at the Baptist Church was largely attended.

Presbyterian Profile

A Service FlagMarch 11, 1918. Seventy-five men weathered the storm yesterday morning to witness the unfurling of the service flag at the meeting of the Men’s Sunday Morning Bible Class in Gray Chapel yesterday at 9:50 o’clock. After the routine business and several selections by Coleman’s Band, Reverend E.E. Lashley made the presentation address and as he unfurled the flag the band played the Star Spangled Banner while the men stood and saluted Old Glory.The names of the young men who have gone from this class who are already in the service are:Hugh OldsClifford CampbellCarl HazenLester MichaelVivian ShreveRobert SmileyPaul BennettWilliam GillettMarion BedowClifton CarrollCharles DriscollWilber JanesIvan ReynoldsRussell WillisC.R. FaulknerLaVerne CloughMerle Bedow

Miss Nellie McClintock gave a reading on The Flag and received such applause that she responded with another patriotic reading. A patriotic selection was sung by a male quartet composed of F.B. Reynolds; V.M. Campbell; I.B. Warner and Reginald Lashley.Besides singing patriotic selections the assemblage rendered the following selection, with band accompaniment.

When Sammy Goes over the TopDedicated to the service boys from the Union City Men’s Morning Bible ClassWhen Sammy goes over the top,Oh! It’s then you will hear something drop,And Billy, the Kaiser, will surely be wiserWhen Sammy goes over the top.

June 6, 1918. The pastor is glad to announce the organizing of the second training class of which boys and girls are fitted for church membership and Christian living. The class meets on Thursday at 4 p.m. and now numbers 14 and is still open for new enlistments. To this work the attention of all parents interested in the moral and religious education of their youth is called.

November 7, 1918. The quarantine closing our churches is to be lifted on Friday so the Presbyterian Church will resume services in all its departments next Sunday. The Men’s Bible Class opens at 9:50. Preaching service at 11 and Sunday School at 12. The Christian Endeavor meets at 6:30 and evening service at 7:30. Let every member prepare to be present and all do his best to get the church to going again.

December 5, 1918. Responding to the New Era Movement now on in the entire Presbyterian Church in the U.S., the local organization launched an attendance campaign last Sabbath to double the average morning and evening audiences between now and February 1. The new movement goes on next Sunday. To reach the standard will require the presence of every man, woman, and child associated with the church, and we will look for you at 11 and 7:30. Let us join for a new church with higher standards in keeping with the New Era Movement, now opened by the closing of the Great War. When the boys come home from their wondrous victories, they will expect new, better things of us. E.E. Lashley, Pastor.

December 12, 1918. “God and the Flu” will be the pastor’s theme at the Presbyterian Church next Sunday morning. What God does to cure disease we all should know and a profitable hour is promised.

December 31, 1918. At the Gray Chapel of the Presbyterian Church, the 81st birthday anniversary of Mr. James Thompson was appropriately celebrated. He was completely surprised to find himself honor guest of the John R. Mulkie Bible Class at a supper given in celebration of this event.

Presbyterian Participation – 1919

March 6, 1919. The victory Canvass Committee will meet at the manse on Monday evening at 7:30 to arrange for Victory Sunday March 16th when the church expects to go over the top into the “New Era” of usefulness and work.

April 3, 1919. Preparatory services will be held in the chapel this evening at 8 o’clock to which the public is cordially invited. Holy Communion will be observed next Sunday at 11 o’clock hour, and every member of the church is expected to be present. To miss Communion impairs your standing as a member of the church.

April 10, 1919. The morning service next Sunday will be in memory of Howard Lobaugh who fell in action on a battlefield in France, paying the supreme price for his devotion to country and cause of democracy for the world. He was a son of the church, highly respected, and it calls for all the congregation to honor his noble end.

April 21, 1919. Easter was enjoyed yesterday in the Presbyterian Church. At the morning service eight new members were received and the pastor preached on “The Heaven-Life” to an appreciative congregation. The rendition of Mark’s cantata “Victory Divine” by the choir under the direction of Miss Agard with Miss Humes at the organ was one of the finest expressions of real music given this church for years and was greatly enjoyed by the large audience present. The instrumental duet by J.J. Bartholme and Miss Viola Bartholme was very fine, and made a marked impression at the morning hour.

October 9, 1919. The work in this church is showing no uncertain improvement with the approach of autumn and promises good results for the fall and winter. Especially was this time in our Sunday School last Sunday, with all the classes and teachers finely represented. The superintendent is getting results for his “persistency”, and we look for a great Bible hour next Sunday not only at noon when the church school meets, but in another snappy lesson in the get together 9:50 hour for men. Do not miss a service next Sunday. It will be worth your while at the old church.

Presbyterian Participation-1920

March 11, 1920. The men meet in Bible study at 9:50 next Sunday morning. The first chapter of Revelation will be the theme for study and conference, a rare lesson, and the boys can expect an hour worthwhile. Bring “Joe” with you next Sunday. He will have a good time over it too if you ask him. The morning service is at 11:00 o’clock with public reception of new members. The sermon is called, “The Value of an open Confession.”

March 29, 1920. Session Records. The annual congregational meeting was called to order by the clerk of the session. J.W. Middleton, at 8 o’clock p.m. The clerk of the session reported the church membership as follows:Elders 10Membership reported last year 329Deceased during the year 3Dismissed by letter 12Received by letter 6Received by examination 14Present membership 334

The financial secretary of the Trustees made a report which was received very joyfully reporting the church free from debt with a balance in the treasury.

April 15, 1920. The usual services of the day may be expected at the church next Sunday and the pastor is glad to report that he is slowly getting over the tonsillitis attack and expects to preach a short sermon at the morning hour.

April 29, 1920. Religion on the screen may be seen and appreciated by all in a union serial in the Presbyterian Church this evening. Mr. A.C. Joy of Erie will give a lecture from the pictures of the Inter Church World Movement, which are fine and everybody will find it worthwhile to attend.

September 23, 1920. The Presbyterian Church Choir will meet for practice this evening – Thursday- as usual at 8:30 o’clock. Everybody come.

​October 21, 1920. The Session Records. The request of the Pastor Reverend E.E. Lashley asking for the privilege of calling a congregational meeting for the purpose of electing a commission to represent the congregation at a special meeting of the Presbytery for the purpose of severing the pastoral relations of pastor and church was granted.

October 28, 1920. The Session Records. A special congregational meeting was called at 8;45 p.m. Dr. C.L. Mead was chosen moderator of the meeting. It was moved by Shreve and seconded by Marsh that the congregation join with the pastor, Reverend E.E. Lashley in asking the Presbytery to accept his resignation and sever the pastoral connection with the church.